Will Ye Be Proud
Legacy of Highland Pride: A Poignant Reflection on Sacrifice
Lyrics
Out of the darkness the torches are comin'
Emergence from adversity, a symbolic representation of a challenging situation.
Clatter of hoofs and torches on roofs
The noise of horses and torches, possibly indicating a disruptive or alarming event.
Young bairns wailin', ships they are sailing
The distress of young children and the departure of ships, suggesting hardship and migration.
Bound off our homeland a new land to calm
Leaving the homeland for a new land to find peace or solace.
Will ye be proud when yer grandfathers turnin'
Questioning pride in ancestral actions and decisions.
Will ye be proud as yer son dies sae well
Pondering pride in the sacrifice of one's own child for a cause.
Will ye be proud when the last battle's over
Reflecting on pride after the culmination of a significant battle.
Will ye be proud at yer lifes last remain
Considering pride in the final moments of life.
Highland men hangin' by English decree
Highland men facing execution by English authority.
Hung by their kilts as a warnin' tae the free
Symbolic execution by hanging as a warning to those who seek freedom.
From a landlord's voice the Highlands are finished
The end of the Highlands declared by a landlord, indicating a loss of identity and autonomy.
Yer sword and yer plaid shall be never again
The elimination of Highland symbols - sword and plaid - as they hold no significance anymore.
Will ye be proud when yer grandfathers turnin'
Reiteration of the question about pride in ancestral actions.
Will ye be proud as yer son dies sae well
Repetition of contemplating pride in the noble death of one's son.
Will ye be proud when the last battle's over
Reiterating the reflection on pride after the conclusion of a significant battle.
Will ye be proud at yer lifes last remain
Repeating the consideration of pride in the final moments of life.
The targe is torn and the claymore Is blunt
Description of the state of Highland weapons and spirit - torn and blunt.
As is the spirit of those who won't stand
Highlighting the weakened resolve of those who refuse to stand up for their cause.
Betrayed and dishonoured and robbed of their land
Feeling betrayed, dishonored, and deprived of their land.
What's become of a Highland band
Questioning the fate of the once-proud Highland band.
Will ye be proud when yer grandfathers turnin'
Reiteration of the question about pride in ancestral actions.
Will ye be proud as yer son dies sae well
Repetition of contemplating pride in the noble death of one's son.
Will ye be proud when the last battle's over
Reiterating the reflection on pride after the conclusion of a significant battle.
Will ye be proud at yer lifes last remain
Repeating the consideration of pride in the final moments of life.
There are new lifes beginning
Introducing the concept of new life for those associated with the Highlands.
For those who are Highland
Pride being restored, heads held high, and a sense of renewal for Highlanders.
Heads held high, proud once again
Emphasizing the pride regained after a period of adversity.
Two hundred years of bitter tears mourning
A reflection on the long period of sorrow and mourning endured for the lost country.
The country once ours it will be again
Expressing the belief that the country, once lost, will be reclaimed.
Will ye be proud when yer grandfathers turnin'
Reiteration of the question about pride in ancestral actions.
Will ye be proud as yer son dies sae well
Repetition of contemplating pride in the noble death of one's son.
Will ye be proud when the last battle's over
Reiterating the reflection on pride after the conclusion of a significant battle.
Will ye be proud at yer lifes last remain
Repeating the consideration of pride in the final moments of life.
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